Dual action tongue scraper

ABSTRACT

A dual action tongue scraper provides either a hard scrape or a soft scrape of the tongue, as desired. A hard scraping surface and a soft scraping surface are formed along at least one of the edges of a strip of flexible material. A user bends the strip of flexible material such that generally only one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface contacts the user&#39;s tongue at a given time during scraping.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/917,245, filed on Aug. 25, 1997, and entitledTONGUE SCRAPER, the entire contents of which are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices for promotingdental hygiene, and relates more particularly to a dual action tonguescraper for cleansing food debris, volatile sulfur compounds, deadcells, microflora and other microorganisms from the tongue. The dualaction tongue scraper is configured to provide either a hard scrape or asoft scrape, as desired.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] The human tongue is slightly furry in texture and has numerousprotuberances, e.g., papillae, which convey to the brain the senses oftaste and touch. Consequently, the tongue can easily become a breedingground for microorganisms such as bacteria, as well as a repository forfood debris, volatile sulfur compounds (which are a major cause ofhalitosis) and dead cells. Over time, some of the collected materialbecomes a soft plaque which is another cause of bad breath. This softplaque is known to attack the teeth and gums. Tests have shown thatdaily scraping to reduce the amount of coating on the tongue eliminatesmuch of the undesirable bacteria and sulfur compounds, thussignificantly inhibiting plaque formation on the teeth in the long term,and substantially reducing halitosis in the short term.

[0004] A wide variety of tongue scrapers are known in the dental hygienearts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,477,435 to Artelli discloses a tonguescraper with a metal blade-like member having an end portion formed tofit between wooden handle parts. A rigid blade-like portion extendsforwardly of the handle at the other end in a curve which is configuredeither for a right-handed person or for a left-handed person.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,964 to Castanedo discloses a one-piece tonguescraper which includes an elongated handle at one end withlongitudinally diverging arms at the other end. The ends of the arms areconnected by a longitudinally bowed cross bar having a laterallycentered, arched portion and beveled edge faces.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,704 to Williams discloses a tongue cleaner incombination with a toothbrush. The tongue cleaner is an arcuate scrapermember which is centrally secured to the tooth brush handle at the endopposite the brush.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,475 to Kuber discloses a disposable tonguescraper which is intended to be used only once. The normally planarscraper is formed of a flexible, resilient material and includes opposedouter portions having smooth generally parallel edges. Each outerportion terminates in a rounded free end portion. An elongated centralportion having a serrated edge is disposed between the two outerportions. Holding one end portion firmly in each hand and bending thescraper into a U-shape, the user contacts the extended tongue with theserrated edge and then scrapes gently from back to front to removeaccumulated coating material.

[0008] It is believed that many users would prefer a choice of differentscraping capabilities. Some users may prefer a more effective scrape,even though the more effective scrape is harsher. Other users may prefera less harsh, though less effective, scrape. Thus, it is desirable toprovide a tongue scraper which allows users to easily choose the type,i.e., hard or soft, of scrape to be performed therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a dualaction tongue scraper comprised of a strip of flexible materialincluding two opposed generally planar end portions, and a generallyplanar central portion disposed between the two end portions. The stripof flexible material also includes two edges thereof. Each edge of thestrip of flexible material extends along the generally planar centralportion between the two end portions.

[0010] The dual action tongue scraper is configured to provide acomparatively hard scrape when the tongue scraper is bent one way, suchthat the tongue contacts a hard scraping surface which extends along oneedge thereof; and is configured to provide a comparatively soft scrapewhen the tongue scraper is bent another way, such that the tonguecontacts a soft scraping surface which extends along either the same ora different edge thereof. The hard scrape is generally more effective atremoving the undesirable coating from the tongue, but the hard scrapemay be too harsh for some people.

[0011] When formed upon a common edge, the hard scraping surface and thesoft scraping surface are separated by a generally flat portion of thecommon edge, so as to facilitate scraping of the tongue with only thedesired one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface.

[0012] In cross section, the hard scraping surface preferably comprisesan orthogonal corner (having an angle of approximately 90 degrees) andthe soft scraping surface preferably comprises an obtuse corner (havingan angle which is substantially greater than 90 degrees). Moreparticularly, the soft scraping surface preferably comprises an obtusecorner having an angle of approximately 108 degrees.

[0013] Alternatively, the soft scraping surface comprises asubstantially round corner. The round corner preferably has a radius ofbetween approximately 0.005 inch and approximately 0.030 inch,preferably approximately 0.010 inch.

[0014] One or both of the two edges may comprise a hard scraping surfaceand/or a soft scraping surface, as desired.

[0015] Each of the two edges may either be configured as a smooth edgeor a serrated edge, as desired. Further, each of the two edges maycomprise either a substantially straight edge or a convex edge, asdesired.

[0016] As used herein, the term “serration” is defined to include anycrenellation, tooth, appendage, protuberance or any other projection,whether regular or irregular, a plurality of which extend in a generallyspaced apart fashion from an edge of the tongue scraper to enhancescraping of the tongue.

[0017] According to an alternative aspect of the present invention, thehard scraping surface comprises a protrusion extending from at least oneedge of the strip of flexible material. The protrusion preferably has alength of between approximately 0.004 inch and approximately 0.012 inch,preferably approximately 0.008 inch, and preferably has an averagethickness of between approximately 0.0005 inch and approximately 0.005inch, preferably approximately 0.001 inch.

[0018] Such protrusions are preferably formed during injection moldingof the tongue scraper. The protrusions may be formed either by definingthe protrusions as part of the mold cavity, or alternatively, by causingthe protrusions to be defined by controlled flashing. Controlledflashing may be formed by machining the mating mold sections to adesired degree of flatness, such as 0.001 inch for example, and theninjecting polymer into the mold cavity at a pressure which results inthe desired degree of flashing, such as 15,000 psi for example. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that various other combinations ofmold mating surface flatness and injection molding pressure are likewisesuitable for providing a desired amount of flashing. Generally,providing flatter mating surfaces of the mold sections will require ahigher injection pressure and providing less flat surfaces of the moldsections will require a lower injection pressure, in order to form agiven controlled amount of flashing.

[0019] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various othermethods, e.g., machining, etching, grinding, etc., are likewise suitablefor forming a protrusion upon a desired edge of the tongue scraper.

[0020] The hard scraping surface, whether an orthogonal corner or aprotrusion, and the soft scraping surface, whether an obtuse corner or around corner, each extend generally along the length of the centralportion of the tongue scraper, and thus extend generally from one endportion to the other end portion.

[0021] According to the present invention, a person's tongue is scrapedby grasping the flexible strip with one hand at each of two ends of theflexible strip and bending the flexible strip into a generally U-shapedconfiguration such that either the hard scraping surface or the softscraping surface is along the inside portion of the U-shaped flexiblestrip. The tongue is then scraped with the inside portion of theU-shaped flexible strip.

[0022] Thus, by bending the flexible strip so as to position the hardscraping surface along the inside of the U-shaped flexible strip, a hardscrape is provided. Conversely, by bending the flexible strip so as toposition the soft scraping surface along the inside of the U-shapedflexible strip, a soft scrape is provided. In this manner, the personmay easily obtain either a hard scrape or a soft scrape, as desired.

[0023] Alternatively, scraping may be performed without bending theflexible strip. If desired, the flexible strip may be held at each endthereof, such that the flexible strip remains substantially straight.The desire one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scrapingsurface is then used to effect scraping.

[0024] As mentioned above, the central portion is optionally boundedlongitudinally by a convexly arcuate edge and a generally linear edge. Amultiplicity of optional serrations on the convex edge may be used toscrape planar areas of the tongue upper surface. The convex and linearedges may alternatively both have a smooth surface. In one configurationof the invention, a hole in each end portion allows the user to firmlygrip the end portions between thumb and finger.

[0025] In another aspect, the invention provides a tongue scraperfabricated from a resilient material and including opposed generallyplanar end portions each end portion preferably terminating in agenerally elliptical arcuate edge and extending proximally in a neckhaving arcuate edges tapering to a predetermined width. The edges eachhave a plurality of serrations. The tongue scraper further includes agenerally planar central portion disposed symmetrically between andcontiguous to the tapered neck of each end portion. The central portionis determined longitudinally by a convexly arcuate edge having amultiplicity of serrations, and a generally linear edge similarly havinga multiplicity of serrations.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a tongue scraperfabricated from a resilient material and including opposed generallyplanar end portions each terminating in a generally elliptical arcuateedge and extending proximally in a neck having arcuate edges tapering toa predetermined width. The edges each have a smooth surface. The tonguescraper further includes a generally planar central portion disposedsymmetrically between and contiguous to the tapered neck of each endportion. The central portion is determined longitudinally by a convexlyarcuate edge having a smooth surface, and a generally linear edge havinga smooth surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will be more fully understood when considered with respect tothe following detailed description, appended claims and accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a dual action tongue scraper according tothe invention, including a central portion having a convex first edgeand a linear second edge, each edge with a multiplicity of serrationsformed thereon;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 tongue scraper;

[0030]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a dual action tongue scraper according tothe invention, including a central portion having smooth convex andlinear edges;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the FIG. 3 tongue scraper;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tongue scraper of FIGS. 3 and4, bent into a generally U-shaped configuration to facilitate usethereof;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the tongue scraper ofFIG. 5, taken along line 6 thereof and showing an orthogonal cornerdefining a hard scraping surface and an obtuse corner defining a softscraping surface formed along each of the two edges thereof;

[0034]FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view, partially in section,showing the orthogonal corner and obtuse corner of FIG. 6, wherein thetongue scraper is bent (thereby positioning the orthogonal corner insidethe U-shape) so as to provide a hard scrape therewith;

[0035]FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view, partially in section,showing an alternative round corner defining the soft scraping surface,wherein the tongue scraper is bent (thereby positioning the orthogonalcorner inside the U-shape) so as to provide a hard scrape therewith;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the tonguescraper of FIG. 8, wherein the tongue scraper is bent (therebypositioning the round corner inside the U-shape) so as to provide a softscrape therewith;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a tonguescraper having serrations formed along an edge thereof, as in FIGS. 1and 2, wherein the tongue scraper is bent (thereby positioning theorthogonal corner inside the U-shape) so as to effect a hard scrapetherewith;

[0038]FIG. 11 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a tonguescraper having serrations formed along an edge thereof, as in FIGS. 1and 2, wherein the scraper is bent (thereby positioning the round cornerinside the U-shape) so as to effect a soft scrape therewith;

[0039]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a tongue scraper havinga hard scraping surface and a soft scraping surface formed upon a commonedge, wherein the hard scraping surface is defined by a protrusionextending from the edge;

[0040]FIG. 13 shows the tongue scraper of FIG. 12 in use, wherein theround corner defining the soft scraping surface thereof is used toeffect a soft scrape;

[0041]FIG. 14 shows the tongue scraper of FIG. 12 in use, wherein theprotrusion defining the hard scraping surface thereof is used to effecta hard scrape;

[0042]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional end view of a mold used to form atongue scraper having protrusions extending from both edges thereof, theprotrusions being defined by the mold cavity; and

[0043]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional end view of a mold used to form atongue scraper having protrusions extending from both edges thereof, theprotrusions being defined by a parting line between the two moldsections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] While the present invention is open to various modifications andalternative constructions, the preferred embodiments shown in thedrawings will be described herein in detail. It is to be understood,however, there is no intention to limit the invention to the particularforms disclosed. On the contrary, it is intended that the inventioncover all modifications, equivalences and alternative constructionsfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in theappended claims.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a serrated edge dualaction tongue scraper 10 adapted for scraping coating material such asfood debris, volatile sulfur compounds, dead cells and microflora fromthe upper surface of a tongue. The tongue scraper 10 includes opposedfirst and second generally planar end portions 12 and 14, respectively,each terminating distally in a generally elliptical arcuate edge 16 and18, respectively, and each having therethrough a hole 12H and 14H,respectively. Each end portion 12 and 14 extends proximally in a neck 20and 22, respectively, with each neck having first and second arcuateedges 20A, 20B, 22A and 22B, respectively, tapering to a predeterminedwidth. The edges 20A, 22A, 20B and 22B have a plurality of serrations24A and 24B, respectively. The tongue scraper 10 further includes agenerally planar central portion 30 disposed symmetrically between andsmoothly contiguous to the end portion necks 20 and 22. The centralportion 30 is defined longitudinally by a convexly arcuate first edge 32having a multiplicity of serrations 34 formed thereon, and a generallylinear second edge 36 having a multiplicity of serrations 38 thereon.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a smooth edge dual action tonguescraper 40 is shown. The tongue scraper 40 includes opposed first andsecond generally planar end portions 42 and 44, respectively, with eachend portion terminating distally in a generally elliptical arcuate edge46 and 48, respectively, and each having therethrough a hole 42H and44H, respectively. Each end portion 42 and 44 extends proximally in aneck 50 and 52, respectively, with each neck having first and secondarcuate edges 50A, 50B, 52A and 52B, respectively, tapering to apredetermined width. The edges 50A, 52A, 50B and 52B each have a smoothsurface. The tongue scraper 40 further includes a generally planarcentral portion 60 disposed symmetrically between and smoothlycontiguous to the end portion necks 50 and 52. The central portion 60 isdefined longitudinally by a convexly arcuate first edge 62 having asmooth surface, and a generally linear second edge 64 having a smoothsurface.

[0047] The tongue scrapers 10 and 40 are fabricated from a resilientmaterial so that if the central portion 30 or 60 is bent into an arc,the scraper immediately will return to its normally planar state oncethe end portions are released. Preferably, tongue scrapers 10 and 40 arefabricated by the injection molding of polypropylene, as discussed indetail below.

[0048] According to each of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, the tongue scraper has a length, Dimension F, ofapproximately 7.625 inches; a width, Dimension I, at each end portion 42and 44 of approximately 1 inch; a width, Dimension G, at the centralportion 60 of approximately 0.5 inch; and a width, Dimension H, wherethe central portion 60 attaches to each end portion 42 and 44 ofapproximately 0.375 inch. However, these dimensions are by way ofexample only and not by way of limitation. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that various other dimensions are likewise suitable.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 5-14, the tongue scraper of the presentinvention is configured so as to provide either a hard scrape or a softscrape, as desired. A hard scrape is generally more effective in theremoval of the undesirable coating on the tongue. However, a soft scrapemay be desirable when a soft scrape is sufficient to adequately removethe coating or when the hard scrape is deemed to be too harsh.

[0050] A hard scrape is typically effected by bending the tongue scraperin a first direction and a soft scrape is typically effected by bendingthe tongue scraper in a second, opposite direction, as discussed indetail below.

[0051] With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the dual actiontongue scraper 40 for providing a hard scrape and a soft scrapecomprises a strip of flexible material defining a central portion 60 andtwo handles 114 and 116 formed at the two ends of the central portion60. The first handle 114 preferably has a hole 42H formed therein andthe second handled 116 preferably similarly has a hole 44H formedtherein, such that the holes 42H and 44H aid in grasping the handles 114and 116 during use, as discussed above.

[0052] The tongue scraper 40 further comprises a first edge 62 and asecond edge 64. The first 62 and second 64 edges may be either smooth(as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) or serrated (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), asdesired. The first 62 and second 64 edges may also be eithersubstantially straight or convex, as desired.

[0053] With particular reference to FIG. 7, the first edge 62 comprisesa hard scraping surface defined by orthogonal corner 126A for effectinga hard scrape and a soft scraping surface defined by obtuse corner 128Afor effecting a soft scrape. The second edge 64 (FIG. 6) preferablysimilarly comprises a hard scraping surface and a soft scraping surface.

[0054] Each edge 62 and 64 further comprises a generally flat portion125 (which is generally flat in cross section as shown in FIGS. 6-11,but which may optionally curve when viewed from the side, as when theedge is serrated as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). The generally flatportion separates the orthogonal corner 126A from the obtuse corner 128Aby a distance, Dimension A of FIG. 7, which is sufficient to permitscraping of the tongue with only a desired one of the hard scrapingsurface defined by the orthogonal corner 126A and the soft scrapingsurface defined by the obtuse corner 128A. The generally flat portion125 preferably separates the hard orthogonal corner 126A from the obtusecorner 128A by a distance, Dimension A, of between approximately 0.010inch and approximately 0.040 inch, preferably approximately 0.020 inch.This separation of the hard scraping surface from the soft scrapingsurface by the generally flat portion 125 of each edge 62 and 64 thustends to prevent undesirable contact of both the hard scraping surfaceand the soft scraping surface with the tongue simultaneously (as will bebetter appreciated from an examination of FIGS. 13 and 14, which arediscussed in detail below). Thus, the separation of the orthogonalcorner 126A from the obtuse corner 128A allows the user to more easilyuse the desired one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scrapingsurface to scrape the tongue.

[0055] Each hard scraping surface, as defined by orthogonal corner 126A,is formed along a substantial portion of the flexible strip, e.g., alongat least the central portion 60 thereof, such that the hard scrapingsurface extends generally from the first handle 114 to the second handle116. Each soft scraping surface, as defined by obtuse corner 128A, issimilarly formed along a substantial portion of the flexible strip,e.g., along at least the central portion 60 thereof, such that the softscraping surface also extends generally from the first handle 114 to thesecond handle 116.

[0056] It is important to note that either the first edge 62, the secondedge 64, or both the first 62 and second 64 edges, may comprise a hardscraping surface and/or a soft scraping surface, as desired. Thus, ahard scraping surface extends along at least one of the first 62 andsecond 64 edges and a soft scraping surface similarly extends along atleast one of the first 62 and second 64 edges, such that the tonguescraper 40 comprises both a hard scraping surface and a soft scrapingsurface and is thus capable of providing both a hard scrape and a softscrape.

[0057] The hard scraping surface preferably comprises a generallyorthogonal corner 126A defining an angle of approximately 90 degrees andthe soft scraping surface preferably comprises an obtuse corner 128Adefining an angle, Angle B (FIG. 7), of approximately 108 degrees.

[0058] According to each of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, the tongue scraper has a thickness, Dimension J, ofapproximately 0.03 inch. However, those skilled in the art willappreciate that other thicknesses may likewise be suitable, particularlywhen different materials are utilized. It has been found that thethickness of 0.03 inch provides a desired amount of stiffness when thetongue scraper is manufactured of polypropylene. Thus, it is anticipatedthat various other combinations of materials and thicknesses maysimilarly be utilized to provide a desired degree of stiffness.

[0059] With particular reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the soft scrapingsurface optionally comprises a round corner 128B. As those skilled inthe art will appreciate, such a round corner 128B provides softerscraping than the obtuse corner 128A of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0060] With particular reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first edge 62(as well as the second edge 64, if desired) of the dual action tonguescraper 10 (better shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) optionally comprisesserrations 34. Further, either the first edge 62 or the second edge 64may be configured so as to be either generally straight or convex, asdiscussed above.

[0061] With particular reference to FIG. 12, an even harder scrape maybe obtained by defining the hard scraping surface as a protrusion 126Bwhich extends, Dimension C, between approximately 0.004 inch andapproximately 0.012 inch, preferably approximately 0.008 inch, beyondthe edge 62 of the tongue scraper 40. The protrusion 126B preferably hasan average thickness, Dimension D, of between approximately 0.0005 inchand approximately 0.005 inch, preferably approximately 0.001 inch.

[0062] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the protrusion 126Bprovides an even more effective, although even more harsh, scrappingaction than the orthogonal corner 126A defining the hard scrapingsurface of FIG. 7. Thus, the protrusion 126B may be utilized to removedifficult tongue coatings, if desired.

[0063] With particular reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, orientation of thetongue scraper 40 with respect to a tongue 132 is shown for both a softscrape (FIG. 13) and a hard scrape (FIG. 14). As can be seen, when theround corner 128B is used to effect a soft scrape, as shown in FIG. 13,then the protrusion 126B does not substantially contact the tongue 132.A soft scrape may similarly be effected by using the obtuse corner 128Aof FIG. 7. When the protrusion 126B is used to effect a hard scrape asshown in FIG. 14, then the round corner 128B does not substantiallycontact the tongue 132. A hard scrape may similarly be effected by usingthe orthogonal corner 126A of FIG. 7.

[0064] The generally flat portion 125 of the edge 62, 64 separates thehard scraping surface from the soft scraping surface by a distance(Dimension A in FIG. 7) which is sufficient to generally cause only oneof the hard corner 126B and the soft corner 128B to contact the tongue132 at any given time during scraping.

[0065] Any desired combination of orthogonal corner, obtuse corner,round corner, or protrusion may be formed upon the first 62 and second64 edges of the tongue scraper 10 or 40 of the present invention, asdesired. Thus, a generally more effective tongue scraper may be definedby forming an orthogonal corner and a protrusion on each of the twoedges of the tongue scraper, while a generally milder tongue scraper maybe defined by forming an obtuse corner and a round corner on each of thetwo edges thereof, for example.

[0066] Alternatively, all four types of corners, i.e., round, obtuse,orthogonal and protrusion, may be embodied in a single tongue scraperby, for example, forming a round corner and an obtuse corner on one edgeof the tongue scraper and forming an orthogonal corner and a protrusionon the other edge thereof. Thus, any desired combination of the roundcorner, obtuse corner, orthogonal corner and protrusion may be provided.

[0067] Having described the structure of the dual action tongue scraperfor providing a hard scrape and/or a soft scrape, it may be beneficialto describe in further detail the use thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, thetongue scraper 40 is typically bent into a generally U-shapedconfiguration by grasping one handle 114 or 116 in each hand. The tonguescraper 40 is bent such that the desired scraping surface of the desirededge 62 or 64, will be used to effect scraping.

[0068] When the dual action tongue scraper 40 is bent such that the softscraping surface is disposed along the inside of the U-shape, then onlythe soft scraping surface will substantially contact the tongue 132, soas to effect desired soft scraping thereof as shown in FIG. 13.

[0069] Similarly, when the dual action tongue scraper 40 is bent suchthat the hard scraping surface is disposed along the inside of theU-shape, then only the hard scraping surface will substantially contactthe tongue 132, so as to effect desired hard scraping thereof as shownin FIG. 14.

[0070] Thus, the user determines whether a hard scrape or a soft scrapeis to be effected by the direction in which the tongue scraper 10 or 40is bent. After bending the tongue scraper 10 or 40 in the desireddirection, then the tongue scraper 10 or 40 is used to effect tonguescraping by angling the tongue scraper 10 or 40 downwardly and pullingthe tongue scraper 10 or 40 across the upper surface of the tongue 132,generally from back to front. The tongue scraper 10 or 40 is generallyangled such that only one corner of one edge thereof contacts the tongue132 at a time, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In this manner, the user cancontrol which scraping surface of the tongue scraper 10 or 40 is beingused to effect scraping, so as to provide either a soft scrape or a hardscrape, as desired.

[0071] Alternatively, the desired one of the hard scraping surface andthe soft scraping surface may be used to scrape the tongue while keepingthe central portion 30 or 60 of the tongue scraper 10 or 40 generallyplanar, i.e., without substantially bending the tongue scraper 10 or 40.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, two alternative methods forinjection molding tongue scrapers according to the present invention areshown. In each instance, polypropylene having a melt index ofapproximately 34 grams/10 minutes (as determined per ASTM D1238) isinjected into the mold at a temperature of approximately 400°F. and apressure of approximately 15,000 psi. Other polypropylene materials mayalso be used, as well as polyethylene, impact polystyrene, ABS or thelike.

[0073] With particular reference to FIG. 15, an injection mold comprisesupper mold section 202A and lower mold section 204A which, takentogether, define mold cavity 206A. The mold cavity 206A comprises cavityprotrusions 208, which define the protrusions 126B of the molded tonguescraper 40, as shown in FIGS. 12-14.

[0074] With particular reference to FIG. 16, the protrusions 126B arealternatively formed by providing a very small gap 210 having a width,Dimension E (not shown to scale, bur rather shown in exaggeratedproportion for clarity), which results from forming the mating surfacesof the mold sections 202B and 204B to have a flatness of approximately0.001 inch (wherein the difference between low spots and high spots onthe mating surfaces of the mold sections 202B and 204B is approximately0.001 inch). That is, the width, Dimension E, of the gap 210 isdetermined by the surface finish (or rather the unevenness) of the twomating surfaces of the mold sections 202B and 204B. Coarser surfacefinishes (corresponding to rougher mating surfaces) inherently cause alarger width, Dimension E, of the gap 210. Polymer is injected into thecavity 206B at sufficient pressure, approximately 15,000 psi forexample, to create a desired degree of flashing to form within gap 210which defines protrusion 126B.

[0075] Various combinations of gap, Dimension E, and polymer injectionpressure may be utilized. Generally, the smaller the gap, the higher thepolymer injection pressure that will be needed to form a protrusion of agiven length, Dimension C. The gap width, Dimension E, determines theaverage width, Dimension D, of the protrusion.

[0076] More particularly, the length, Dimension C, of the protrusion maybe varied by varying the gap width, Dimension E, of the mold sections202B and 204B and/or by varying the polymer injection molding pressure,while the protrusion's average width, Dimension D, may be varied byvarying the gap width, Dimension E. However, varying the polymerinjection pressure may have some effect upon the average protrusionwidth, Dimension D, since higher polymer injection pressures may, onsome injection molding systems, tend to increase the gap width,Dimension E.

[0077] It is understood that the exemplary dual action tongue scrapersdescribed herein and shown in the drawings represent only presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention. Indeed, various modificationsand additions may be made to such embodiments without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. For example, the tongue scrapers neednot be substantially flat or planar in configuration. Rather, the tonguescrapers may be formed so as to have greater thickness near thelongitudinal centerline thereof, if desired. Further, various differentconfigurations of the handles are contemplated. For example, T-shapedhandles may alternatively be utilized. Thus, these and othermodifications and additions may be obvious to those skilled in the artand may be implemented to adapt the present invention for use in avariety of different applications.

[0078] The above descriptions of exemplary embodiments of a dual actiontongue scraper are for illustrative purposes. Because of variationswhich will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodimentsdescribed above. Such variations, and other modifications andalternations, are included within the scope and intent of the inventionas described in the following claims.

1. A dual action tongue scraper for removing coating material from atongue, the dual action tongue scraper comprising: a strip of flexiblematerial having first and second edges; a hard scraping surfaceextending at least partially along at least one of the first and secondedges; a soft scraping surface extending at least partially along thesame one of the first and second edges; and wherein the hard scrapingsurface is separated from the soft scraping surface by a generally flatportion of the edge, the generally flat portion of the edge separatingthe hard scraping surface from the soft scraping surface by a distancewhich is sufficient to permit scraping of the tongue generally with onlya desired one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scrapingsurface.
 2. The tongue scraper as recited in claim 1 , wherein thegenerally flat portion of the edge separates the hard scraping surfacefrom the soft scraping surface by a distance which is betweenapproximately 0.010 inch and approximately 0.040 inch.
 3. The dualaction tongue scraper as recited in claim 1 , wherein the generally flatportion of the edge separates the hard scraping surface from the softscraping surface by a distance of approximately 0.020 inch.
 4. The dualaction tongue scraper as recited in claim 1 , wherein both a hardscraping surface and a soft scraping surface extend along both of thefirst and second edges.
 5. The dual action tongue scraper as recited inclaim 1 , wherein the hard scraping surface comprises a generallyorthogonal corner and the soft scraping surface comprises an obtusecorner.
 6. The dual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 1 ,wherein the hard scraping surface comprises a generally orthogonalcorner and the soft scraping surface comprises an approximately 108degree corner.
 7. The dual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 1 ,wherein the hard scraping surface comprises a generally orthogonalcorner and the soft scraping surface comprises a substantially roundcorner.
 8. The dual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 7 ,wherein the round corner has a radius of between approximately 0.005inch and approximately 0.30 inch.
 9. The dual action tongue scraper asrecited in claim 7 , wherein the round corner has a radius ofapproximately 0.010 inch.
 10. The dual action tongue scraper as recitedin claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second edgescomprises a smooth edge.
 11. The dual action tongue scraper as recitedin claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second edgescomprises a serrated edge.
 12. The dual action tongue scraper as recitedin claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second edgescomprises a generally straight edge.
 13. The dual action tongue scraperas recited in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and secondedges comprises a convex edge.
 14. The dual action tongue scraper asrecited in claim 1 , wherein the strip of flexible material comprises acentral portion which defines the first and second edges and comprisestwo end portions, each end portion defining a handle.
 15. The dualaction tongue scraper as recited in claim 14 , wherein each handlecomprises a hole for facilitating grasping of the handles.
 16. The dualaction tongue scraper as recited in claim 1 , wherein the strip offlexible material comprise a polymer material.
 17. The dual actiontongue scraper as recited in claim 1 , wherein the strip of flexiblematerial comprises polypropylene.
 18. The dual action tongue scraper asrecited in claim 1 , wherein the hard scraping surface comprises aprotrusion extending from an edge of the strip of flexible material. 19.The dual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 1 , wherein the hardscraping surface comprises a protrusion extending from the edge of thestrip of flexible material, the protrusion having a length of betweenapproximately 0.004 inch and approximately 0.012 inch and having anaverage thickness of between approximately 0.0005 inch and approximately0.005 inch.
 20. The dual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 1 ,wherein the hard scraping surface comprises a protrusion extending fromthe edge of the strip of flexible material, the protrusion having alength of approximately 0.008 inch and an average thickness ofapproximately 0.001 inch.
 21. A dual action tongue scraper for removingcoating material from a tongue, the dual action tongue scrapercomprising: a strip of flexible material having first and second edges;and a protrusion extending from at least one of the first and secondedges, the protrusion having a length of between approximately 0.004inch and approximately 0.012 inch and having an average thickness ofbetween approximately 0.0005 inch and approximately 0.005 inch.
 22. Thedual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 21 , wherein theprotrusion has a length of approximately 0.008 inch and an averagethickness of approximately 0.001 inch.
 23. A method for scraping atongue, the method comprising the steps of: grasping a flexible stripwith one hand at each of two ends thereof, the flexible strip havingfirst and second edges and having a hard scraping surface extending atleast partially along at least one of the first and second edges andhaving a soft scraping surface extending at least partially along atleast one of the first and second edges, the hard scraping surface beingseparated from the soft scraping surface by a generally flat portion ofthe edge, the generally flat portion of the edge separating the hardscraping surface from the soft scraping surface by a distance which issufficient to permit scraping of the tongue generally with only adesired one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface;bending the flexible strip into a generally U-shaped configuration suchthat a desired one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scrapingsurface is along an inside portion of the U-shaped flexible strip; andscraping the tongue with the inside portion of the U-shaped flexiblestrip.
 24. The method for scraping the tongue as recited in claim 23 ,wherein the step of grasping the flexible strip comprises grasping theflexible strip by handles formed at the two ends thereof.
 25. The methodfor scraping the tongue as recited in claim 23 , wherein the step ofscraping the tongue with the inside portion of the U-shaped stripcomprises scraping the tongue with a straight edge of the flexiblestrip.
 26. The method for scraping the tongue as recited in claim 23 ,wherein the step of scraping the tongue with the inside portion of theU-shaped strip comprises scraping the tongue with a convex edge of theflexible strip.
 27. The method for scraping the tongue as recited inclaim 23 , wherein the step of scraping the tongue with the insideportion of the U-shaped strip comprises scraping the tongue with asmooth edge of the flexible strip.
 28. The method for scraping thetongue as recited in claim 23 , wherein the step of scraping the tonguewith the inside portion of the U-shaped strip comprises scraping thetongue with a serrated edge of the flexible strip.
 29. The method forscraping the tongue as recited in claim 23 , wherein the step ofscraping the tongue with the inside portion of the U-shaped stripcomprises scraping the tongue with a hard scraping surface of theflexible strip.
 30. The method for scraping the tongue as recited inclaim 23 , wherein the step of scraping the tongue with the insideportion of the U-shaped strip comprises scraping the tongue with a softscraping surface of the flexible strip.
 31. The method for scraping thetongue as recited in claim 29 , wherein the step of scraping the tonguewith a hard scraping surface of the flexible strip comprises scrapingthe tongue with a generally orthogonal corner of the flexible strip. 32.The method for scraping the tongue as recited in claim 29 , wherein thestep of scraping the tongue with a hard scraping surface of the flexiblestrip comprises scraping the tongue with a protrusion formed upon one ofthe first and second edges.
 33. The method for scraping the tongue asrecited in claim 30 , wherein the step of scraping the tongue with asoft scraping surface of the flexible strip comprises scraping thetongue with an obtuse corner of the flexible strip.
 34. The method forscraping the tongue as recited in claim 30 , wherein the step ofscraping the tongue with a soft scraping surface of the flexible stripcomprises scraping the tongue with a round corner of the flexible strip.35. The method for scraping the tongue as recited in claim 23 , whereinthe generally flat portion of the edge separates the hard scrapingsurface from the soft scraping surface by a distance which is betweenapproximately 0.010 inch and approximately 0.040 inch.
 36. The methodfor scraping the tongue as recited in claim 23 , wherein the generallyflat portion of the edge separates the hard scraping surface from thesoft scraping surface by a distance of approximately 0.020 inch.
 37. Amethod for scraping a tongue, the method comprising the steps of:grasping a strip with one hand at each of two ends thereof, the striphaving first and second edges and having a hard scraping surfaceextending at least partially along at least one of the first and secondedges and having a soft scraping surface extending at least partiallyalong at least one of the first and second edges, the hard scrapingsurface being separated from the soft scraping surface by a generallyflat portion of the edge, the generally flat portion of the edgeseparating the hard scraping surface from the soft scraping surface by adistance which is sufficient to permit scraping of the tongue generallywith only a desired one of the hard scraping surface and the softscraping surface; and scraping the tongue with a desired one of the hardscraping surface and the soft scraping surface.
 38. A method formanufacturing a dual action tongue scraper, the method comprising thestep of injecting a melted polymer material into a mold, wherein themold defines a tongue scraper having first and second edges, a hardscraping surface formed upon at least one of the first and second edges,and a soft scraping surface formed upon at least one of the first andsecond edges.
 39. The method for manufacturing a dual action tonguescraper as recited in claim 38 , wherein the hard scraping surfacedefined by the mold comprises an orthogonal corner.
 40. The method formanufacturing a dual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 38 ,wherein the hard scraping surface defined by the mold comprises aprotrusion extending from at least one of the first and second edges.41. The method for manufacturing a dual action tongue scraper as recitedin claim 38 , wherein the soft scraping surface defined by the moldcomprises an obtuse corner.
 42. The method for manufacturing a dualaction tongue scraper as recited in claim 38 , wherein the soft scrapingsurface defined by the mold comprises a round corner.
 43. The method formanufacturing a dual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 38 ,wherein the mold defines a generally flat portion of one edge whichseparates the hard scraping surface from the soft scraping surface by adistance which is sufficient to permit scraping of the tongue withgenerally only a desired one of the hard scraping surface and the softscraping surface.
 44. The method for manufacturing a dual action tonguescraper as recited in claim 38 , wherein the mold defines a generallyflat portion of one edge which separates the hard scraping surface fromthe soft scraping surface by a distance which is between approximately0.010 inch and approximately 0.040 inch.
 45. The method formanufacturing a dual action tongue scraper as recited in claim 38 ,wherein the mold defines a generally flat portion of one edge whichseparates the hard scraping surface from the soft scraping surface by adistance of approximately 0.020 inch.
 46. A method for manufacturing adual action tongue scraper, the method comprising the step of injectinga polymer material into a mold, wherein the mold defines a tonguescraper having first and second edges, and wherein a parting line of themold is generally co-planar with a side of the tongue scraper such thatflashing formed along the parting line defines a protrusion from atleast one edge of the tongue scraper to define a hard scraping surfaceof the tongue scraper.
 47. The method for manufacturing a dual actiontongue scraper as recited in claim 46 , wherein the mold comprises firstand second mold sections which have mating surfaces which are machinedto a flatness of within approximately 0.001 inch and wherein polymer isinjected into the mold at a pressure of approximately 15,000 psi.
 48. Atongue scraper manufactured according to a method comprising the stepsof: forming a mold having a cavity, the cavity defining a generallyplanar tongue scraper; and injecting a melted polymer into the mold. 49.The tongue scraper as recited in claim 38 , wherein the mold cavitydefines a tongue scraper having first and second edges and wherein themold cavity further defines a hard scraping surface upon at least one ofthe first and second edges and a soft scraping surface upon at least oneof the first and second edges.
 50. The tongue scraper as recited inclaim 49 , wherein the hard scraping surface defined by the moldcomprises an orthogonal corner.
 51. The tongue scraper as recited inclaim 49 , wherein the hard scraping surface defined by the moldcomprises a protrusion extending from at least one of the first andsecond edges.
 52. The tongue scraper as recited in claim 49 , whereinthe soft scraping surface defined by the mold comprises an obtusecorner.
 53. The tongue scraper as recited in claim 49 , wherein the softscraping surface defined by the mold comprises a round corner.
 54. Thetongue scraper as recited in claim 49 , wherein the mold defines agenerally flat portion of one edge which separates the hard scrapingsurface from the soft scraping surface by a distance which is sufficientto permit scraping of the tongue with generally only a desired one ofthe hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface.
 55. The tonguescraper as recited in claim 49 , wherein the mold defines a generallyflat portion of one edge which separates the hard scraping surface fromthe soft scraping surface by a distance which is between approximately0.010 inch and approximately 0.040 inch.
 56. The tongue scraper asrecited in claim 49 , wherein the mold defines a generally flat portionof one edge which separates the hard scraping surface from the softscraping surface by a distance of approximately 0.020 inch.
 57. Thetongue scraper as recited in claim 48 , wherein the mold defines atongue scraper having first and second edges, and wherein a parting lineof the mold is generally co-planar with a side of the tongue scrapersuch that flashing formed along the parting line defines a protrusionfrom at least one edge of the tongue scraper to define a hard scrapingsurface of the tongue scraper.
 58. The tongue scraper as recited inclaim 46 , wherein the mold comprises first and second mold sectionswhich have mating surfaces which are machined to a flatness of withinapproximately 0.001 inch and wherein polymer is injected into the moldat a pressure of approximately 15,000 psi.
 59. The tongue scraper asrecited in claim 48 , wherein the cavity defines a tongue scraper havinga central portion and two end portions, the cavity having a length ofapproximately 7.625 inches, a thickness of approximately 0.03 inch, awidth where the central portion is defined of approximately 0.5 inch, awidth where the end portions are defined of approximately 1 inch, and awidth where each of the end portions attach to the central portion ofapproximately 0.375 inch.
 60. A tongue scraper manufactured according toa method comprising the steps of: forming a mold having a cavity;injecting a melted polymer into the mold; and wherein the tongue scrapermanufactured according to this method is generally planar inconfiguration.
 61. The tongue scraper as recited in claim 60 , whereinthe mold cavity is configured so as to form a tongue scraper havingfirst and second edges and wherein a hard scraping surface is formedupon at least one of the first and second edges and a soft scrapingsurface is formed upon at least one of the first and second edges. 62.The tongue scraper as recited in claim 61 , wherein the hard scrapingsurface comprises an orthogonal corner.
 63. The tongue scraper asrecited in claim 61 , wherein the hard scraping surface comprises aprotrusion extending from at least one of the first and second edges.64. The tongue scraper as recited in claim 61 , wherein the softscraping surface comprises an obtuse corner.
 65. The tongue scraper asrecited in claim 61 , wherein the soft scraping surface comprises around corner.
 66. The tongue scraper as recited in claim 61 , furthercomprising a generally flat portion of one edge which separates the hardscraping surface from the soft scraping surface by a distance which issufficient to permit scraping of the tongue with generally only adesired one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface.67. The tongue scraper as recited in claim 61 , further comprising agenerally flat portion of one edge which separates the hard scrapingsurface from the soft scraping surface by a distance which is betweenapproximately 0.010 inch and approximately 0.040 inch.
 68. The tonguescraper as recited in claim 61 , further comprising a generally flatportion of one edge which separates the hard scraping surface from thesoft scraping surface by a distance of approximately 0.020 inch.
 69. Thetongue scraper as recited in claim 60 , wherein the mold defines atongue scraper having first and second edges, and wherein a parting lineof the mold is generally co-planar with a side of the tongue scrapersuch that flashing formed along the parting line defines a protrusionfrom at least one edge of the tongue scraper to define a hard scrapingsurface of the tongue scraper.
 70. The tongue scraper as recited inclaim 69 , wherein the mold comprises first and second mold sections,each mold section having a mating surface which is machined to aflatness of within approximately 0.001 inch and wherein polymer isinjected into the mold at a pressure of approximately 15,000 psi. 71.The tongue scraper as recited in claim 60 , further comprising a centralportion and two end portions, the tongue scraper having a length ofapproximately 7.625 inches, a thickness of approximately 0.03 inch, awidth of the central portion of approximately 0.5 inch, a width at eachend portion of approximately 1 inch, and a width where each of the endportions attaches to the central portion of approximately 0.375 inch.72. The tongue scraper as recited in claim 60 , further comprising:opposed first and second generally planar end portions, the end portionseach terminating distally in a generally elliptical arcuate edge andextending proximally to define a neck having first and second arcuateedges tapering to a predetermined width, the end portions each having ahole therethrough; and a generally planar central portion disposedsymmetrically between and contiguous to the tapered neck of each endportion, the central portion defined longitudinally by a convexlyarcuate first edge and a generally linear second edge.